Pruning in Late Winter: A Key Step for Healthy Trees and Shrubs
As winter draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to turn your attention to your trees and shrubs. Late winter, while plants are still dormant, is the ideal season for pruning. This simple task can set your landscape up for success in the months ahead, promoting healthy growth, improving plant structure, and reducing stress.
According to the OSU Extension Service, pruning during dormancy offers a distinct advantage: with no leaves to obstruct your view, you can easily see a plant’s framework. This makes it much easier to identify and remove dead, diseased, or crossing branches. By tackling pruning now, you’ll be giving your trees and shrubs the best possible start to the growing season.
Looking for detailed guidance? The OSU Extension provides an excellent guide to pruning trees and shrubs. It’s a great resource for mastering the techniques you need to keep your plants thriving.
Keep Your Garden Safe: Sanitize Your Pruning Tools
Pruning is more than just cutting—it’s also about protecting. Did you know that dirty pruning tools can spread diseases from plant to plant? To maintain a healthy garden, it’s essential to clean and sanitize your equipment regularly.
Here’s how:
Before and after pruning, clean your tools with rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.
Rinse your tools thoroughly after disinfecting to prevent corrosion.
Remove dirt from blades, lightly oil them to prevent rust, and keep them sharp for clean, precise cuts.
By taking these simple precautions, you’ll minimize the risk of infections and keep your garden thriving. Healthy plants start with healthy practices—and sanitized tools are a small but important step toward a flourishing landscape.
As you prepare for spring, remember that a little effort now can make a big difference. Prune your trees and shrubs while they’re dormant, and don’t forget to clean your tools. Your plants will reward you with vibrant growth and beauty in the seasons to come!
